First off, I would like to formally introduce myself by saying that I learn heaps every day from this site, and the only reason that I rarely post is because answers are usually a few search terms away (*gasp*--- there's a search function??). Seems a good way to contribute is to share my experiences with the RIbNet community, at least I hope it will be entertaining enough to be read while on "the throne".

I started ribbing about a year ago and I have been making up for lost time since then. I had an Avon Seasport 4.65 with a Johnson 70 that I took offshore Southern California this year to chase Yellowtail. That boat was NOT designed to go offshore, but we did it anyway. While the hull was too flat for "offshore" use, the engine was (and continues to be) rock solid reliable. Equipped with a console mounted DSC VHF and Chartplotter/fishfinder, I would venture out as far as I had radio contact. Got caught one too many times out in rough weather, and on one particular crossing back from Catalina Island, I noticed the hull starting to crack under my feet. Hypalon that was far beyond its useful life sealed the deal, and I scrapped the boat.

That boat put me on top of tons of fish and lobster that year. May she rest in peace.

I had spend a fair amount of time and $$ on the console and was just getting to know the engine, so I decided to try and find a hull for the engine and console. I had my heart set on the Searider 5.4, but could not find one within driving range. Thanks to Ribnet, I did manage to find a 1987 Avon Searider SR5.0M
(thanks Recon)

Question: Is the searider 5.0 and the 5.4 the same boat?

This "5.0" measures almost exactly 5.4 meters from tip to tip, and has identical weight specs stamped on the transom plate as a few images of 5.4 transom plates on the net. I strongly suspected that it is, and the boat appeared to be in good condition, so I went for it.

Since then I have spend the last several weekends putting the engine, console and front seat in, with the following results:

One problem that had to be rectified before splashing was a crack in the transom, on the edge of the water ballast outlet. I sanded the area down and put down 6 or 7 layers of 4oz biaxial fiberglass cloth. I have many surfboard repairs under my belt, and a rib is just a big surfboard with an outboard and sponsons...

Also attached are pictures of the inside of the transom that I took by sticking my camera phone through the ballast outlet to check for additional cracks.